Matthews injury recovery on uncertain timetable

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GREEN BAY - Green Bay Packers’ coach Mike McCarthy says he’s not exactly certain how much time Clay Matthews will miss. The All-Pro linebacker injured a hamstring in Sunday’s home win over Arizona.

Yesterday, McCarthy said Matthews will be out for what he termed “a couple weeks” – but he couldn’t say if it would be more than two. The coach said Matthews does not feel as bad as when he suffered hamstring injuries in the past. The fourth-year pro has pulled hammies at every training camp until this year. His longest time away was 24 days in 2010. Matthews also pulled a hamstring in Week-Five of that Super Bowl season – and it caused him to miss one of only two regular season contests he has sat out during his pro career.

With the Packers on a bye week, it’s conceivable that Matthews could return for their next game at Detroit on November 18th. McCarthy said he would know more in the coming week. Also, the coach said receiver Jordy Nelson should be able to play against the Lions, after he hurt an ankle against the Cardinals. Right tackle Brian Bulaga will visit a specialist this week to determine the extent of a hip injury he suffered against the Cardinals.

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Green Bay Packers’ defensive end Mike Neal is finally starting to show his talents. His first two seasons were marred by numerous injuries – including in-season knee surgery. This year, he was suspended for his first four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. But since then, Neal has played his best football – even with an ankle injury that kept him out of practice for one day last week. Yesterday against Arizona, Neal recorded his second sack in five contests since his suspension. It’s a strong comeback for a player who thought about quitting the NFL after last season. Neal said he had never been through so many injuries – but he has worked through them and quote, “It’s starting to work out for me.”

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